White Sox Shakeup: Newcomb Tabbed as Wednesday’s Opener
White Sox Announce Newcomb as Opening Pitcher for Wednesday’s Game vs Cubs
What Happened?
The Chicago White Sox have announced their pitching plan for Wednesday’s game against the Chicago Cubs. Sean Newcomb will start the game as the "opener" — a special role in modern baseball.
Source: Reported by James Fegan of SoxMachine.com
What Is an "Opener"? (ELI5 Explanation)
Think of an opener like a starter for a race car — they get things going fast and strong, but they don’t drive the whole race.
| Traditional Starter | Opener |
|---|---|
| Pitches 5-7+ innings | Pitches 1-2 innings |
| Faces lineup 3+ times | Faces top of lineup once |
| Sets the tone for game | Attacks hitters aggressively |
| Needs many pitch types | Can use best 1-2 pitches only |
Why use an opener?
- Keeps the other team’s best hitters off-balance
- Protects pitchers who struggle the 3rd time through the lineup
- Allows bullpen to be used more strategically
Newcomb’s Track Record as Opener This Season
Newcomb has done this job twice before in 2024, and he’s been excellent:
- 4.1 innings pitched total (combined from both games)
- 0 runs allowed (scoreless!)
- Only 1 hit given up
- Strikeout-to-walk ratio: 6:1 (6 strikeouts for every 1 walk)
KEY POINT: A 6:1 K:BB ratio is elite — it means he’s throwing strikes and missing bats consistently.
Who Pitches After Newcomb?
After Newcomb finishes his 1-2 inning stint, Jose Urquidy will take over as the "bulk reliever" (sometimes called a "primary pitcher").
What’s a Bulk Reliever?
- Pitches multiple innings (usually 4-6)
- Handles the middle of the game
- Essentially does what a traditional starter would do, but starts the 2nd or 3rd inning
- Keeps the team in the game while saving the closer for the end
Game Plan Summary
- Innings 1-2: Sean Newcomb (Opener) — attacks top of Cubs lineup
- Innings 3-7: Jose Urquidy (Bulk Reliever) — eats majority of innings
- Innings 8-9: Setup man / Closer — finish the game
Why This Matters for the White Sox
- Newcomb’s success as opener gives manager flexibility
- Urquidy gets protected from facing the toughest hitters first
- Bullpen stays fresh since roles are clearly defined
- Matchup advantages can be exploited throughout the game
Summary
The White Sox are using a modern pitching strategy for Wednesday’s Crosstown Classic against the Cubs. Sean Newcomb will serve as the opener — a short-burst pitcher who starts the game — based on his perfect 0.00 ERA and 6:1 K:BB ratio in two previous opener appearances. Jose Urquidy will then pitch the bulk of the game as the primary reliever. This approach maximizes matchup advantages and keeps pitchers in roles where they succeed most.
FAQ
What exactly is an "opener" in baseball?
An opener is a relief pitcher who starts the game but only pitches 1-2 innings. They face the top of the opponent’s lineup once, then hand off to a "bulk reliever" who pitches multiple innings.
Why not just let Newcomb start the whole game?
Newcomb has been more effective in short bursts. As an opener, he can throw max effort with his best pitches without worrying about pacing himself for 6+ innings.
What does "K:BB ratio" mean?
K = Strikeouts, BB = Walks. A 6:1 ratio means for every 1 batter he walks, he strikes out 6. This shows excellent control and dominance.
Who is Jose Urquidy?
Urquidy is a veteran right-handed pitcher who previously played for the Astros. He’s being used as a "bulk reliever" — someone who pitches 4-6 innings after the opener.
Is this strategy common in MLB?
Yes! The Tampa Bay Rays popularized it around 2018, and now many teams use openers, especially when they lack traditional starting pitching depth or want to optimize matchups.